There’s no two ways about it: The Twins have struggled during the second half of the season.
And they officially hit rock bottom on Sunday after the Boston Red Sox swept a doubleheader from them, outscoring Minnesota 17-4 over both games. Pablo Lopez was terrible in Game 1, the bullpen was even worse in Game 2 and now the Twins find themselves a game back of the final spot in the AL wild card race.
The Twins are 81-75. They are 11-22 since about mid-August.
Lopez had nothing. He served up seven runs, all earned, on nine hits, including two home runs to the same player: Boston first baseman Triston Casas, who hit three homers in the game and drove in seven runs.
In Game 2, Zebby Matthews did his job, allowing just a run over four-plus innings with six strikeouts. But after 87 pitches, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli turned to reliever Cole Irvin, who was a mess. Across two-thirds of an inning, Irvin allowed four runs on two hits, including a home run, and walked two batters.
Irvin was followed by the usually reliable Cole Sands, but Sands had a rare misstep. He hit a batter to force in a run, then two more runs crossed the plate on two hits. Reliever Michael Tonkin coughed up an additional run and the blowout was complete.
The Twins now head home. They are off Monday and then face the Miami Marlins for three games. They need nothing short of a sweep. Bailey Ober gets the ball in Game 1.
Extra innings…
-The Twins are struggling, but the Kansas City Royals are in absolute free fall, having lost seven straight games. The Tigers and Royals are both tied at 82-74 for the second position in the wild card race. The Twins are a game behind them and the Mariners are a game behind the Twins. The Baltimore Orioles hold the first position in the wild card race, but even they are struggling.
Over the last 10 games…
-The Orioles are 3-7;
-The Tigers are 7-3;
-The Royals are 2-8;
-And the Twins are 3-7.
Who really wants this thing?